Michigan WWII Vets and Rosie the Riveter Reunited After 72 Years by The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ask any American history professor, victory in World War II would not have been possible without the dedication of women on the home front who answered the call of duty at thousands of factories that supplied armaments to fighting forces overseas.

Members of the AMERICAN ROSIE THE RIVETER ASSOCIATION and Michigan WWII veterans are joining forces once again this weekend at the Association's national convention in Dearborn, Michigan. It is a fitting location, given so many automotive plants in Dearborn were retooled during the war to produce Jeeps, tanks and airplanes, with women working the assembly lines.

The Dearborn event will feature the unveiling of a clay model of a statue of Rosie the Riveter which will be incorporated into The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak, Michigan. The planned memorial will be the state's official tribute to WWII. It will include three vignettes representing Michigan residents who served on the home front and the war front using land, air and sea themes. The Rosie statue will be part of the "air" story. An inspiring real life recreation of the statue scenes using actual veterans and Rosies will be the highlight of this reunion.

The convention will also pay homage to Fran Carter, founder of The American Rosie the Riveter Association.

Speakers from The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial include:

Debi Hollis, President

Michael Gordon, Architect, Moiseev/Gordon Associates

Larry Halbert, Project Sculptor

Local U.S. military veterans in attendance include:

Henry Malec, U.S. Army

Carl Shafer, U.S. Army

Art Fishman, U.S. Navy

Bob Russman, U.S. Navy

Wally Wilmont, U.S. Army Air Corps

Alexander Jefferson, U.S. Army Air Corps, founding member of the Detroit and National Tuskegee Airmen association

Where and When:

Friday, June 14, 2013 through Sunday, June 16, 2013 at The Dearborn Inn, Dearborn, Michigan

Photoshoot – Saturday, June 15, 2013, 11:00 a.m. to noon

Presentation – Saturday, June 15, 2013, 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The American Rosie the Riveter Association

Founded in 1998, The American Rosie the Riveter Association's mission is to recognize and preserve the history and legacy of working women, including volunteer women, during World War II; to promote cooperation and fellowship among such members and their descendants; and to further the advancement of patriotic ideals, excellence in the work place, and loyalty to the United States of America.

To honor Michigan residents who served in the armed forces and on the home front during World War II. The memorial provides a year-round multi-purpose destination that tells Michigan's unique story and encourages visitors to both commemorate and celebrate their freedom. It also serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us all of the remarkable patriotism, selfless sacrifices and extraordinary devotion to liberty that helped save the world.